[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8773]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF ABINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th 
anniversary of Abington, Massachusetts, a town that represents the 
pioneering spirit that helped launch America.
  In 1650, the land that would eventually become Abington was purchased 
from the great leader Massasoit and the Wampanoag tribe. The 
shoemaking, lumbering and milling trades all helped the town develop in 
its early days, as colonists forged their way in their new home. As our 
young nation approached its most difficult trial--the Civil War--
Abington became closely associated with the Abolition movement, holding 
open-air Abolition meetings as early as the 1840s. It also expanded its 
hold on certain trades. During the Civil War, half of the Union Army's 
shoes were manufactured in Abington. And the town's contribution to the 
lumber and milling industries greatly contributed to the Commonwealth's 
economic development.
  The development of the Old Colony Railroad in 1845 connected Abington 
to Boston, allowing residents to easily commute between the two places. 
Approximately 25 years later, Abington was divided, with Rockland and 
Whitman becoming independent towns. Today, with a population of over 
15,000 residents, Abington still stands as an important town and a 
proud suburb of the Commonwealth's capital.
  Among its storied history, however, is an even more important fact. 
The Town of Abington has an unwavering tradition of loyalty with an 
exceptional record of community service dating back to the Civil War, 
when residents tried to help better the lives of those who had fled to 
the Union. The town has also been recognized for its contributions to 
the Old Colony & Fall River Railroads, which service residents 
throughout the state.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
town of Abington and the entire Abington community on the celebration 
of their 300 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 
to the United States. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish 
for many years to come.

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